Music videos have always been part of the story. But these 10? They rewrote it. From crashing YouTube to birthing memes to sparking global movements, these clips didn’t just go viral—they became part of our collective memory. Let’s hit play on the moments that melted servers, changed pop culture, and made us all hit replay (again…and again).
1. “Gangnam Style” – PSY (2012)
The video that literally broke YouTube’s view counter. PSY’s galloping, tongue-in-cheek masterpiece became the first video to hit a billion views. With its absurd choreography, unforgettable hook, and pure unfiltered joy, “Gangnam Style” turned a South Korean star into a global phenomenon—and made invisible horses the new dance craze.
2. “Bad Romance” – Lady Gaga (2009)
Lady Gaga didn’t just drop a music video—she dropped a fashion opera. “Bad Romance” gave us white latex, razor-blade sunglasses, and a choreography clinic set in a bathhouse of the future. Gaga redefined what a pop star could be—and in doing so, helped usher in the era of the “visual album” and full-scale pop spectacle.
3. “This Is America” – Childish Gambino (2018)
In four jaw-dropping minutes, Donald Glover lit the internet on fire with imagery that was as urgent as it was unforgettable. Every frame of “This Is America” begged to be paused, rewound, and debated. A powerful commentary on race, violence, and distraction, it was a viral moment with real-world impact.
4. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” – Beyoncé (2008)
One camera. One take. One leotard. Beyoncé turned minimalism into maximum cultural impact. The choreography was instantly iconic, spawning thousands of dance covers and parodies—and even more marriage proposals. “Single Ladies” wasn’t just a hit; it became a pop culture reference point. Forever.
5. “Wrecking Ball” – Miley Cyrus (2013)
One sledgehammer. One wrecking ball. One era destroyed. “Wrecking Ball” launched a thousand think pieces and reminded us that a music video can be both raw and meme-able. Love it or not, it marked a moment where Miley shattered her Hannah Montana past and claimed her new, unapologetic identity.
6. “Thriller” – Michael Jackson (1983)
The blueprint. The OG. The reason music videos are a thing. Michael Jackson’s 14-minute horror epic wasn’t just a music video—it was a cultural reset. With werewolves, zombie choreography, and Vincent Price’s sinister laugh, “Thriller” became the most influential video of all time before the internet even existed. And it still breaks it every Halloween.
7. “Anaconda” – Nicki Minaj (2014)
It’s cheeky. It’s NSFW. And it broke Vevo’s 24-hour record with 19.6 million views. “Anaconda” delivered a riotous jungle gym of color, attitude, and twerking. But beneath the booty and bananas was a masterclass in control, ownership, and flipping the script on how women are presented in pop.
8. “HUMBLE.” – Kendrick Lamar (2017)
From burning heads to Last Supper imagery, Kendrick’s “HUMBLE.” delivered stunning visual metaphors and holy verses. Every shot was layered, cinematic, and ready for a screenshot. It’s not just a song—it’s a short film that had fans dissecting every frame like a grad school thesis.
9. “Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift (2014)
Taylor’s cheeky, meta take on haters and hip-hop culture launched a new era. Whether she was cheerleading, breakdancing, or ballet twirling, “Shake It Off” was made to be memed. The song topped charts, but the video turned T-Swift into a viral chameleon—self-aware, unstoppable, and ready to play.
10. “Despacito” – Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee (2017)
Before TikTok was the kingmaker, “Despacito” ruled with 7 billion views and counting. The beachy, sensuous visuals paired with an irresistible melody made it a global phenomenon. Even Justin Bieber jumped on the remix. “Despacito” didn’t just break the internet—it made the internet sing in Spanish.
These weren’t just music videos. They were cultural earthquakes. The kind that remind us just how powerful a few minutes of music and visuals can be. So go ahead—press play. Again.
